Tracee Ellis Ross shares rare insight into her dating and relationships

Tracee Ellis Ross is probably ready for love after prioritizing career over relationships for most of her adult life!

The award-winning actress and self-love advocate isn’t one to open up about her love life, but in a candid cover story on the September 4 issue of Byrdyopened up and shared why she was ready for a relationship.

“It was always about work for me” – Blackish star, 51, said. “I work hard because I care about what I do. Until I was 50, I kept my head down and did my job. When I was 50, I looked back and realized I had done a lot of things. And I still have a lot to do.”

One “more” thing he’s looking for is love. “I dream of a partnership and what that could be,” Ross said. “I want something that’s going to be an addition to (my life). I’m basically a unicorn, and I’m looking for another unicorn.”

The critically acclaimed actress is cautious about her pursuit of love, though. “One of the things I learned about myself early on is that I’m very assertive,” she previously told an interviewer. “So I’m very specific about what I say and what I want.”

Ross’s last public relationship was with music manager Abou “Bu” Thiam, the younger brother of rapper Akon, who is best known as Kanye West’s manager. Ross and Thiam dated from 2011 to 2013.

In 2016, Thiam spoke about his breakup during an appearance on the show Breakfast Club, revealing that Ross’ career has always been her priority. “I think being with someone is… like a real job. It’s a real responsibility. She’s at a point in her career where if I can’t give her everything, I don’t want to waste her time or put her in that space,” he said. “Why not give her a chance to find someone else who can?”

Ross also expressed her choice to remain single, childless and focus on her career. “It’s really interesting to be a woman and live to be 45 and not be married and not have kids,” Ross told the audience at CharmWomen of the Year Summit 2017. “I am a good friend, a solid daughter, a hard worker, I have a good credit history, I take out the trash before it stinks, I recycle, and I won a Golden Globe!”

While her new chapter may include a new relationship, she told Byrdie, self-discovery is still top of mind. She said, “I’m dreaming of being more myself, continuing to enjoy life, and breathing deeply and fully into this next chapter.”

Before you go, click here to see the stars who have openly admitted to not having children.